The debater's guide (Third Edition)

Thousands of debaters at all levels have relied on this practical guide for reference and instruction in argumentation and communication since it was first published in 1961. Now in a third, fully revised edition featuring restructured chapters, updated examples, and the addition of parliamentary debate as a form, The Debater’s Guide continues to be the leading handbook for helping both novice and advanced students develop the skills necessary to successfully apply the basic principles of debate. Cutting through theory with clear explanations and specific applications, this compact volume with a broad scope offers students and teachers no-frills assistance in resolving the major problem faced by debaters: the need to present arguments forcefully and cogently while reacting effectively to criticism. Readers are advised on matters from budgeting time in a debate to speaking in outline form through a well-organized series of explanations, specific examples, and graphic presentations related to both policy and value issues. Beginning with a clear explication of basic principles, The Debater’s Guide presents chronologically the steps of building a debate case, reviews the strategy of planning for refutation and defense, and offers sound advice on presenting the case in oral discourse. Expanded contents pages and effective use of subheadings allow for quick reference to any particular aspect of debate, making it an excellent classroom text as well as a valuable, hands-on tool during actual debates. A glossary of key terms used in debate complements the volume. 1. The Value of Debate......Page 14 The Advantages for You......Page 15 The Proposition......Page 18 Ground Rules for American Debating......Page 21 Procedure......Page 22 The “Clash ” Process......Page 24 The Prima Facie Case and the Debate Clash......Page 26 Speakers ’ Duties......Page 28 The Problems of Proof......Page 31 Burdens......Page 33 Structural Elements......Page 35 The Relationships among the Four Elements......Page 39 Acquiring Knowledge......Page 40 Developing Proof......Page 46 Constructing the Affirmative Case......Page 54 Constructing the Negative Case......Page 68 Indirect and Direct Refutation......Page 73 Methods of Direct Refutation......Page 75 Common Errors in Reasoning......Page 78 Organization......Page 81 Seven Guiding Principles......Page 85 7. Cross-Examination......Page 88 Goals......Page 89 Types of Questions......Page 93 Applications......Page 97 8. Speakers ’ Duties......Page 100 Constructive Speeches......Page 101 Rebuttal Speeches......Page 107 Verbal and Nonverbal Factors......Page 113 Special Problems in Delivery......Page 120 The Necessary Talents......Page 125 Appendix:The Stock Cases......Page 128 Glossary......Page 132 "Beginning with a clear explication of basic principles, The Debater's Guide presents chronologically the steps of building a debate case, reviews the strategy of planning for refutation and defense, and offers sound advice on presenting the case in oral discourse. Expanded contents pages and effective use of subheadings allow for quick reference to any particular aspect of debate, making it an excellent classroom text as well as a valuable, hands-on tool during actual debates. A glossary of key terms used in debate complements the volume."--Jacket Cutting through theory with clear explanations and specific applications, this volume offers students and teachers no-frills assistance in resolving the major problems faced by debators: the need to present arguments forcefully and cogently while reacting effectively to criticism.